Ulzana's Raid (1972)
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86% of critics liked it
(7 reviews) -
59% of users liked it
(1,075 ratings)
One of the best films by often-underrated director Robert Aldrich, this stark, brutal Western is also an effective allegory of America's involvement in the Vietnam War. Set in Arizona during the late 1880s, the film begins with experienced scout McIntosh (Burt Lancaster) and idealistic U.S. Cavalry… More One of the best films by often-underrated director Robert Aldrich, this stark, brutal Western is also an effective allegory of America's involvement in the Vietnam War. Set in Arizona during the late 1880s, the film begins with experienced scout McIntosh (Burt Lancaster) and idealistic U.S. Cavalry Lieutenant DeBuin (Bruce Davison) setting out to catch a group of Apache renegades lead by their chieftain, Ulzana (Joaquin Martinez). The story focuses on the opposing views of the two men regarding Ulzana. McIntosh is cold and cynical while DeBuin is morally outraged by supposed Apache atrocities. The film, sharply written by Alan Sharp, poses a set of complex questions about the nature of heroism, racism, and American imperialism, while avoiding moralizing or oversimplification of the issues. Aldrich and Burt Lancaster, who made four films together over the course of their long careers (including this one), later collaborated on the excellent political thriller Twilight's Last Gleaming. ~ Linda Rasmussen, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- R, 1 hr. 43 min.
- Directed By
- Robert Aldrich
- Written By
- Alan Sharp
- Genres
- Western, Drama, Action & Adventure
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1972 Wide
- On DVD
- Jan 15, 1999
- Studio
- MCA Universal Home Video
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
One of Aldrich's finest films, this underestimated Western presents a bleak yet intelligent portrait of the racial warfare of the white men vs. Native Americans and also serves as effective and damning allegory of the American involvement in Vietnam.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A superior western though somewhat ponderous and its action sequences are formulaic.
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Shane Burridge, rec.arts.movies.reviews
The kind of storyline that suits a cop-vs-serial-killer formula better than a western
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Burt Lancasteras McIntosh -
Bruce Davisonas Lt. Garnett DeBuin -
Jorge Lukeas Ke-Ni-Tay
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Richard Jaeckelas Sergeant -
Joaquín Martínezas Ulzana -
Lloyd Bochneras Capt. Gates
